Alas Girls embrace long journey ahead of U17 World Championship

Alas Pilipinas Girls are preparing for their biggest international test yet as they head to Chile for the FIVB Volleyball Girls' U17 World Championship, with a grueling 32-hour journey serving as the team's first challenge before the tournament begins.

The Philippine delegation departed Manila on Monday for the 24-team competition, which runs from Aug. 6 to 16, hoping the long trip will provide valuable time for the players to recover, adjust, and strengthen their chemistry.

Head coach Edwin Leyva remains optimistic despite the demanding travel schedule, believing the extended flight can help the squad bond after a limited preparation period.

"Hopefully with the long flight medyo makabawi-bawi sa bonding yung players," Leyva said. "We didn't have a lot of time to prepare for this, but we did our best in the short time we had, and I believe in this team. We have good players, and we are confident we can do better than our last tournament."

Leading the Philippine roster are University of Santo Tomas standout Megan Yesha Hernandez, National University's Xyz Ellen Rayco, King's Montessori School's Sharina Rhyza Lleses, Bacolod Tay Tung's Cristina Madela Gale, and St. John's Institute Bacolod City's Caera Celis.

Leyva steered the Philippines to a fifth-place finish in the Asian Volleyball Confederation U16 Women's Championship, a campaign that secured the country's historic qualification to the world championship.

The veteran coach also called on Filipino volleyball fans to rally behind the team as it embarks on its first appearance in the prestigious tournament.

"We hope the country would support us, pray for us," Leyva said. "Kami naman we'll give our best and put up a good fight for the country."

Also included in the lineup are Ateneo de Manila University's Resty Jane Olaguir and Jhenica Sadia, UST's Taj Arkhea Teves, Leyte National High School's Nadeth Faye Herbon, San Felipe Neri Catholic School's Jello Andrea Mauricio, and National University's Jhaynna Love Bulandres, Irish May Mahinay, Princess Khaira Manzano, and Frances Dianne Ramos.

Ranked No. 25 in the world, the Philippines was drawn into Pool B alongside world No. 1 China, Mexico, Peru, Tunisia, and Venezuela.

Pool A features host Chile, Czechia, Egypt, Thailand, Türkiye, and the United States, while world No. 2 Japan leads Pool C with Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Spain, and Poland. World No. 3 Italy headlines Pool D, which also includes Korea, Algeria, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Chinese Taipei.